2011 Ford Flex Limited Review

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Nearly three years since TireKicker's first review of a Ford Flex, I'm left with many of the same emotions and questions. Actually, only one question: Why am I not seeing a lot more of them on the road?

First of all, I like the Flex...a lot. Enough to buy one with my own money, were I in the market. And this is one of the few 125 or so vehicles that pass through my hands in the course of a year where wife and kids agree. The Flex is a great big happy-maker. Room, comfort, utility and (especially when equipped with EcoBoost as the one provided to us for a week by Bell Ford in Phoenix was) power.

I also see the same things when I look at it that I did in the summer of '08...a bit of Range Rover here, a hint of Country Squire there. I also see a much more sensible approach to a car I owned and loved nearly 20 years ago.

We're a road-trip family. And when the kids were little, that meant a week or two on the road with strollers, Pak-N-Plays, and assorted other little people supplies. Back at home, it meant kids and their friends wanting to ride together to the movies, Build-A-Bear and other fun places. At the time, there was one sensible choice...so we bought a brand-new 1993 GMC Suburban. I called it the "Swiss Army Knife of cars". Keep the seats upright, and haul 8 people. Fold 'em down (well, actually, the third row had to be removed, was heavy and where do you stash the backseat of an SUV when you're not using it?), haul the big tables and chairs for the backyard birthday parties yourself and save yourself the anxiety of wondering whether the delivery guys would get there on time.

But the  'Burban had big drawbacks, too. It wouldn't fit in a standard-sized garage. It had the handling characteristics of an aircraft carrier. It weighed darn near three tons and it got 12 miles per gallon in the city and 16 on the highway. And every part except the door locks (there may be a bit of artistic license in that, but not much) needed to be replaced within the first five years.

If only there'd been a Ford Flex. Let's start with utility, shall we?

That, my friends, is the view from the tailgate of a Flex with the rear seats, the middle seats and the front passenger seat folded down. Game 7 (if needed) of the NBA Finals could be played in here. Meantime, here's your view:

Yes, that is the Limited model we drove, but there's actually a level above that, Titanium. And even without the wood and MyFord Touch system, you still get that clean design in the SE and SEL models.

Pop for the Limited, though, and you get SYNC, dual-zone automatic temperature control, leather-trimmed first and second row seats, a premium Sony audio system and a whole host of other goodies for $37, 865.  Choose all-wheel drive and it's $39,715 and go full-boat like ours, with EcoBoost and all-wheel drive and the base price is $44,000.  A base Yukon XL (what GMC calls their Suburban these days) is $42,415. Load one up so it's competitive with the Flex Limited and you'll be deep into $50,000 plus territory.

And let's talk about EcoBoost for a moment. 355 horsepower from a 3.5 liter V6. Without EcoBoost, it's 262 horsepower. That's right...a 97 hp improvement. That's boost, so where's the "Eco"? Well, an AWD Flex with the standard 262-horsepower V6 gets an EPA estimated 16 city/22 highway.  Check the EcoBoost option box, get that extra 97 horsepower and it's 16 city/21 highway.

That's right...the same city MPG. You're trading one mile per gallon on the highway for 97 additional horsepower. Useful in a vehicle that can hold this many people and that much stuff, especially when passing.

This is definitely my new Swiss Army Knife. And if the price point of the Limited version is beyond the budget, the SE starts at $29,220 and the SEL at $31,850. You can't get EcoBoost with either of those, but you'll still have a brilliantly capable machine with the utility of a big SUV and none of its drawbacks.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Flex Limited Review

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2012 Ford Focus SEL 5 Door Hatchback Review

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At last, Ford lets us have the good stuff! For a decade or so, we've been hearing how the American Ford Focus compared unfavorably if at all to the European model...and with each update, we've been hoping to get what they've had for so long.

Well, the 2012 Focus is here and now we can see what the shouting was all about. Not only is it a night-and-day difference from the previous U.S. Focus, it's also a completely different approach to small cars from its chief rival, the new Chevrolet Cruze (review coming soon here).

The Focus rides, drives and handles like a German car that just happens to have the blue Ford oval attached to the front and back. The combination of the 2-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission gives it strong acceleration and very good fuel economy (28 city/38 highway is the EPA estimate and our weeklong experience of mixed city street and freeway driving suggests that's realistic).

Ford has done some of its best work with the Focus interior...contemporary and techno without being overwrought like the Honda Civic (another direct competitor). The seats are comfortable for hours at a time, controls are well-placed an fall easily to hand. And, unlike the Fiesta, the back seat has adequate room for people just a shade under six feet tall.

The SEL 5-Door Hatchback is well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, halogen headlamps, fog lamps, a rear spoiler, an AM/FM/CD/mp3 audio system, ambient lighting, power windows and locks, a leather wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, climate control, illuminated entry, AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control, SYNC, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a rear wiper/washer, power locks, keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring system standard at $21,065. As with the Fiesta, it's pricey for the class size historically, but both Ford and Chevy appear to be moving into the premium compact segment that the VW Jetta has abandoned this year (review coming soon on that, too).

Our tester added Rapid Spec package 301A (MyFord Touch audio/nav system with an upgraded Sony stereo, HD radio, Sirius and 10 speakers)for $995 and Red Candy Metallic Tinted paint for $395. Total price with destination charges: $23,180. Again, more than you'd pay for a Civic or Corolla, but reasonable Jetta money when Jettas were premium German compacts.  And, based on precision and driving pleasure, I'm willing to say the Focus is what the Jetta was...and maybe even more.

My only concern is quality control. While everything seems top-notch, our tester had a trim piece above the passenger front door window that kept coming loose and hanging down and once, the MyFord Touch system froze up completely and would do absolutely nothing...not even pushing the "off" button made a difference...until it decided it was time to re-boot itself...a total of 9 minutes. Could just be the one we had. But if Ford's going to convince Americans to pay $23K (and more...there's a "Titanium" level above the SEL) for a compact car, quality had better be job one.

Post Title → 2012 Ford Focus SEL 5 Door Hatchback Review

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Ford Taurus SHO Review

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Return with me now to those thrilling days of yesteryear...before (well okay, just as) midsize muscle cars were coming on the scene...when a big car with a big engine was the hot ticket.

In Ford's case, we're talking about 1965:

Yes, they called it "The Velvet Brute"...a Galaxie 500 with a 425-horsepower 427 cubic inch V8 stuffed under the hood. You could even get it with a manual transmission. Well, full-size powerhouses didn't last much longer and if it hadn't been for Chrysler's 300C, Ford might never have tried the new Taurus SHO, but we're sure glad they did.

Oh, sure there were SHOs in the early 90s, but that was a smaller car...the Taurus' mission in life is to be the BIG Ford...so the SHO has a lot more in common with 7-Liter Galaxies in our book. And that's a good thing.

The Taurus SHO looks and feels special. The 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 is a serious engine...and the SHO keeps the serious stuff coming...with a six-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters), all-wheel drive, a sport tuned suspension, Advancetrac with electronic stability control, high intensity projector headlamps and more.

And the interior kicks things up several notches too...possibly the best big American sedan interior I've been in for years, if not decades.

The SHO is even defensible on green grounds...getting an EPA estimated 17 city/25 highway miles per gallon...not that far off the base Taurus SE's 18/28.  And the safety aspect? Not to worry. Five-star crash ratings all around (four for rollover).

Where the difference comes in is the price tag. There's no question you get every penny's worth, but the still sobering fact is that the base price of a Taurus SHO ($38,020) is $12,600 more than the Taurus SE.  And when equipped like our tester (heated and cooled front seats, power moonroof, upgraded Sony audio system, heated rear seats, power sunshade, blind spot monitoring, rain sensing wipers and automatic high beam headlights, adjustable pedals, red candy metallic tinted paint, adaptive cruise control with collision warning, voice-activated navigation, multi-contoured seats and delivery charge), it'll crack $46,000 before package discounts (which whittles the tab down to about $45,600). You can't load an SE beyond $27,466 even if you check every single option box.

So, loaded, we're talking about an $18,000 difference in price tag. Don't get us wrong. We love the SHO. We'd gladly own one. We could even make the case for the price based on what you get. But this is America, where the "deal" moves cars more than merit or features...and where perceived value is a major factor, especially in a down economy.

Is there a sufficient market for a $45,000-plus Ford Taurus? Sure hope so, because it's one heckuva car.

Post Title → Ford Taurus SHO Review

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Lincoln MKT Review

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From the back, in black, it looks like a 1940's hearse.

For several thousand dollars less, you can get a Ford Flex...which is what this is based on.

The above two lines are the sum total of the downside to the Lincoln MKT.

There's a ton of upside.

First of all, for better or worse, Lincoln's breaking some styling rules and creating distinctive automobiles. And since the new family grille is a modern interpretation of 40s Lincolns, I suppose the "40s hearse" rear-end isn't a surprise.

Number two, 16 city/22 highway (the EPA estimate, which, for the first time in a long time in a Ford Motor Company product, we didn't achieve or exceed), while not great, is also not bad for something this big, with this kind of power. The MKT packs the twin-turbo EcoBoost engine...and, in fact, 16/22 is the mileage cited for the Flex when equipped with EcoBoost.

And as for the MKT/Flex comparison, well, Lincoln deserves a major pat on the back for putting distance between the two vehicles. This is shared-platform as opposed to "badge engineering". You could drive the MKT and Flex back-to-back (which Ford was brave enough to allow a group of journalists, yours truly included, to do around the fall '09 introduction of the MKT) and spend the next few minutes remarking on how they really are completely different vehicles.

That price difference? Well, it's there...a base MKT starts about where a loaded Flex leaves off ($44,000) and it's not difficult to load an MKT beyond the $50,000 point with 2nd row bucket seats (in place of the standard bench), a 2nd row console with a built-in refrigerator, and Active Park Assist. Put simply, it parks the car automatically. Yes, Lexus got there first, a couple of years ago, but the system wasn't flawless. We've used the Lincoln's ourself. It is.

But here's the thing: It's that distance between the two vehicles I mentioned two paragraphs up. You have to have X-ray vision and a set of blueprints to know that there's commonality with the Flex. The Lincoln is a cut above in style, luxury, percieved quality and cutting-edge tech...including voice-activated navigation. Save home, say "home" and you're guided on your way.


Our most recent test vehicle came courtesy Sanderson Lincoln/Volvo in Phoenix.

Here's a very cool promotional video about the MKT from Lincoln and Ford Motor Company:

Post Title → Lincoln MKT Review

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2011 Ford Territory

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Ford's Denizen partitioning has free a annoyer instance of its new-look 2011 Dominion voter that's supported on the underpinnings of the country's anesthetic Falcon sedan.

The Amytal Oval has said that the Territory voter give develop with an overhauled design for the part and upcountry, as advisable as a new technologist engine.

Statement has it that the new Dominion will be fitted with the Onshore Rover Discovery's 2.7-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine that produces 140kW of index and 445Nm of force. That more state translates to a joint ride fuel ingestion of 10.2 liters/100km and a region to 100km/h reading of 12.7 seconds. Connexion the Territory's new turbo-diesel engine could be another powertrain variant in the comprise of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, sharing the Denizen industry a enumerate of options as to what potentiality of the Territory they can get.

Bob Graziano, Fording Australia's chairwoman and CEO, is confident that the new Industrialist Dominion will prolong to be a hot marketer in the Area Downed Low. "This is an olympian SUV," he said. "It wears an galvanizing new countenance and present magnify an voluminous angle of foul highlights. The Author Australia aggroup is action the Region to an all-new point of performance, cultivation and level, and customers module definitely see these advancements when they locomote it."


The unveiling of the 2011 Territory is ease yet to be revealed, although we wouldn't be jiggered if it happens in the region of next period at the Aussie Supranational Locomote Impart.

All different information, including specifications and pricing, faculty be revealed in the succeeding few months.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Territory

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2011 Ford Focus RS By Mountune

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Many clip ago released a restricted edition Fording Direction RS500 broadcast which sold out in honorable a few hours after the declaration of depletion from the mill. Now, mass the results of a President Concentration RS plots Mountune Show tuning partners that message superb execution and is predicted to Point sold symptomless, much as RS500.

Mountune did the engine modifications provided by the so-called "MP350? Those packages are kindred to formed for the new minor edition Nidus models RS500. As with the RS500, the Correct RS action raise increases the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five's extremum force from 305HP to 350HP, while torque rises by 20 Nm to 460 Nm.

Mountune also accomplish modifications countenance a larger intercooler, a large air filter box, a larger diam deplete downpipe and an uprated furnish pump, along with an updated software activity. So, the MP350 packet does not alter the criterial Crossing warranty.

But there is emotional disagreement transform exclusive a performance kit, the bundle doesn't let the RS500's mat dim picture from 3M, but that shouldn't be a problem for RS owners superficial to simulate the hot hatch's looks. The Ford Absorption RS by Mountune instrument be getable at Ford dealers, initially in the UK, with a Inhabitant roll-out designed to ensue.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Focus RS By Mountune

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2011 Ford Mustang | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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"2014 is weighing very heavily on us right now," said one highly placed source at Ford Motor Company of Detroit exhibition. The date is significant because it will be the 50th anniversary of the Mustang, and aims to be the all new Ford ponycar market celebrations.
But Ford's global program on the rear drive platform apparently dead, Dearborn product planners are trying to figure out exactly how they will build, especially given that CEO Alan Mulally reiterated his position that the Detroit automakers could more capacity building vehicles for each country.
Under the plan, global rear-drive platform, the 2014 Mustang to share the basic architecture of next generation Australian Ford Falcon, and perhaps a new flagship sedan for Lincoln. Mustang would be a short wheelbase version of the platform, the bum in the middle of the wheelbase, and Lincoln for a long wheelbase. But the strategy has changed, for three key reasons:
1) sedan will be pressure behind the United States require lightweight platform architecture to help meet upcoming fuel economy and emissions standards. 2) Blue Australian sales slumped last year more than 30,000 units, the lowest level in the history of the nameplate to 49 years in Australia. 3) While it has avoided bankruptcy, Ford burned through a lot of money last year, and can not afford to spend on the development of architecture will be complex, but relatively niche.
By the time the new could appear rear-drive Lincoln, the Town Car is out of production for three or four years, and high gasoline prices in Australia, nobody expects a big increase in sales of Falcon. It seems that these factors together have conspired to torpedo-back pressure on the global stage. "In [the next generation rear-drive] Blue is dead," said one Ford insider outdoors, all in the certificate.
For all insist, our source will drive the 2014 Mustang rear. And, he adds, it will (eventually) to have an independent rear suspension. Put the two facts in the context of pressure on the back of the global scene and attitudes league Mullaly, and has only one logical conclusion: The next-generation Mustang to become a global car platform built rear disc itself.
Ford reportedly planners are looking at three possible routes of 2014 Mustang. The evolution of an existing car, with styling cues that will appeal to the traditionalist, and continued focus on the 5.0-liter V-8 engine like a halo - the first - and perhaps the easiest. The second is more than a M3-style car, possibly turbocharged V-6 power markets like Europe. The third - and probably least likely, says our source - is to change the Mustang coupe in ultra-high tech, ultra high performance along the lines of giant killing Nissan GT-R.
Regardless of the overall leadership of the next generation Mustang will almost certainly be smaller cars and lighter than the current coupe to enable it to meet more stringent gas mileage goals. As a side benefit, it would be better suited for the markets of Europe and Asia, too.
The style is a hot topic of debate. The Mustangs 2005 and 2010, clearly inspired by their ancestors in the mid 60s, a great success, but inside I doubt if Ford could go down the road retro third time and get away with it.
So what should a 21st century kind Mustang car to be: Pan-American ponycar; the M3 coupe sophisto-style Godzilla or killer? And what should it look?
Your comments below, please. The folks at Ford will be read.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Mustang | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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2011 Ford Future Cars | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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When Ford CEO Alan Mulally to take significant credit in 2007, with the entire company, such as security, it looked like a desperate move by vehicle to the rope. Come 2009, Mulally began to look like a genius.
Thank you for all loans, Ford does not need to ask the government for a loan or file bankruptcy, and therefore did not get the public ridicule that rival cities have done. In addition to public relations victory, Ford's main beneficiaries of the program "scrappage" (Ford, in particular, the explorers in the 90s, is one of the most common trade ins, and C4C). And with products at the right time, such as the F-150 2009 Fusion and 2010, sales fell more slowly than the overall market and the Blue Oval ended in 2009, a larger market share.
Waiting (and after the launch of the Fiesta), Ford's product line is enough to build a victory in 2009. Click the link to the following pages highlight all the cooking 2011th Dearborn
2012 Ford Focus Let's Get Small: Ford B-and C-car numbers for the Next Big Thing, while crossover Replace Trucks (more)
The test covers all the angles, when Ford launched the Ford Focus in 2012, a year before selling. "I do not know when to lift the pen," said an analyst. "The Cruze is the toast" to deal with reporters. Yes, well, everything rings true. Jewellike '12 Focus sedan car, and I have a lot of side-lining the course.
If the North American Focus Focus reconverge EU, you can opt for a four-door hatchback or a funky four-door luxury sedan, which recently found two of the 2010 Detroit show a high level of Titanium finish, of both middle-Fusion band stamp price. Ford settles quickly into the small end of the range, two body styles are also Focus and Fiesta. In the early show will almost certainly fall 2010 Focus mediocre sales.
Ford also gave an overview of the "rat" in sync, the simple four-button switch. This package is part entertainment, expanded recently, and called MyFord MyLincoln, which is a high resolution display of eight-inch in the center console, and MiFi WiFi (when the park), enhanced voice control, audio system, Sony brand, and two USB port, and three RCA, an SD card slot. Reboot, and training.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Future Cars | super speed cars | used cars | cars

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Toyota Takes On Sync

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Toyota calls it "Entune"...and it's their answer to Ford's SYNC. So how is it? Gizmodo has details and video.

Post Title → Toyota Takes On Sync

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Ford To Debut Electric Focus at Consumer Electronics Show?

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The 2011 North American International Auto Show starts in Detroit next week...but the buzz in the blogosphere is that Ford will unveil its electric Focus EV at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.


Full story from Automotive News (free registration required).

Post Title → Ford To Debut Electric Focus at Consumer Electronics Show?

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GM Shares OnStar

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After 15 years as an almost-exclusive GM offering (Audi offered it briefly about a decade ago), General Motors is making OnStar available through its competitors. Vehicles from Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and Honda will soon feature OnStar, and aftermarket versions will be on the shelves at stores including Best Buy.

While I've consistently said I wouldn't part with 2 grand for a factory nav system, OnStar's list of features and price point make a lot more sense...and upgrades to the system happen on OnStar's end.

Full story at The Detroit News.

Post Title → GM Shares OnStar

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Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX Lose CR Recommendation Over MyTouch

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Okay, this is trouble. 

Consumer Reports has pulled its "Recommended" status from the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers because the new MyTouch telematics system is "unwieldy, difficult to use and requires drivers to take their eyes off the road. 

More than one Detroit insider had said this day was coming, that Ford boss Allan Mulally's one weak spot was his belief, forged in his days of running Boeing, that complex onboard electronics are a good thing. What those insiders say Mulally doesn't get is that there are at least two people at the controls of a jumbo jet, auto-pilot is always an option and air traffic control has your back...none of which apply on the road.

Full story from The Detroit News.

Post Title → Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX Lose CR Recommendation Over MyTouch

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2011 Ford explorer ımages

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2011-Ford-Explorer

2011 Ford Explorer | Specs & Reviews on the 2011 Ford Explorer

Learn more about the all new 2011 Ford Explorer. See Specs, Reviews, and Photos of the 2011 Ford Explorer.

 

2011-Ford-Explorer

2011 Ford Explorer 2011 Ford Explorer Release Date 2011 Ford …

2011 Ford Explorer, 2011 ford explorer sport trac, 2011 ford explorer spy shots, ford explorer news, future ford explorer, New 2011 Ford Explorer, 2011 Ford Explorer Release

 

2011-Ford-Explorer white

2011 Ford Explorer – Consumer Guide Automotive

$28190.00 as of Oct 19, 2010 The 2011 Ford Explorer is redesigned, with freshened styling, new engines, and new features. This venerable nameplate moves to crossover-style unibody construction

 

2011-Ford-Explorer

 

2011-Ford-Explorer

http://www.topfordpics.info

Post Title → 2011 Ford explorer ımages

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2011 Ford Fiesta Coupe

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2011 Ford Fiesta Coupe

Another thing I hate about traveling on the freeway, beside the traffic jam, is the cabin noise within my 2003 Honda Accord (about 70 dB at 65 mph). A long afternoon ride from a hard day at work requires a moment of quietness. Maybe, I may have to trade in my car for the new 2011 Ford Fiesta. Ford engineers not only designed a fuel efficient car but also achieved low cabin noise as well.

 

2011 Ford Fiesta

 Ford engineers measured the noise level in inside the 2011 Ford Fiesta in a wind tunnel at 80 mph on the highway. They recorded cabin noise inside the 2011 Ford Fiesta at 25.4 sones, a unit of perceived loudness (very subjective to individual judgment). In comparison with the Honda Fit and Toyota Prius, and both of those cars received a 27.6 and 26.2, respectively.

 

2011 Ford Fiesta blue

You can think of one sone is equivalent to 40 decibels at 1kHz, a unit of sound pressure level. If I had to approximate (very rough estimation), 1 sone = 40 dB at 1kHz, and we add three decibels every time we double the amount of sound, we would get roughly the following:

1 sone = 40 dB

2 sones = 43 dB
3 sones = 44.7 dB
4 sones = 46 dB

 

2011 Ford Fiesta blue

 The phon is more closely related to the decibel, which a phon is also a unit of subjective sound loudness. You can convert between phon and sone. If you estimate that decibel and phon are the same you can convert between decibel and sone. It is also important to note that decibels, being a logarithmic measurement as you see in the formula below, means that the perceived loudness of 20 decibels is twice that of 10 decibels.

 

2011 Ford Fiesta green

 Here is a forumla if you want to try it yourself:
a sound of x sones = 10 log[sub]2[/sub] x + 40 phons
a sound of x phons has loudness 2[sup](x – 40)/10[/sup] sones
To give a better picture of noise levels, here are a few examples of noise level scenarios. Your quiet living room is about 22 decibels, a jack hammer running is about 110 decibels, the noise on the freeway is about 90 decibel, your high-end computer runs at a full load with all the fans is about 55 decibels, and your car alarm is about 125 decibels.
Usually, small cars have higher cabin noise than bigger cars due less material used to help dampen the noise.

 

2011 Ford Fiesta Coupe

“A smaller car can pose challenges for noise and vibration control.  You have smaller spaces to work with, and there are always cost and material concerns to keep the car affordable,” Pintar said.  “With Fiesta, we started with an unusually rigid structure that helps prevent rattles and then enhanced the global noise and vibration package to harmonize with a revised chassis, tire tuning and the revolutionary PowerShift automatic transmission – a key factor in allowing Fiesta to deliver up to a projected 40 highway miles per gallon. Small-car buyers don’t need to compromise a quiet cabin to enjoy top fuel economy.''

 

2011 Ford Fiesta

Here are a few thins that Ford engineers used to in the Fiesta to help reduce the cabin noise:
• Acoustic-laminated windshield, reducing wind noise
• Wind tunnel-optimized side-view mirrors, reducing wind noise
• Stiffened door modules, reducing the potential for rattles
• Rear-mounted roof antenna for less wind noise and improved aerodynamics
• Wind noise-optimized grille
• Additional sound-absorbent material throughout the cabin for a quiet interior
• Revised door seals for reduced wind noise
To achieve a more quieter car cabin, the Ford Fiesta was built on a more stable B-car platform with high-strength steel. It also features a quiet PowerShift transmission. This transmission is based on hyper-efficient manual transmission technology, not only provides the convenience of a traditional automatic, but also improves the interior quietness in Fiesta.

 

2011 Ford Fiesta red

 

2011 Ford Fiesta Coupe

Post Title → 2011 Ford Fiesta Coupe

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2011 Ford Fiesta Review

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When I wrote the first drive impressions of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and promised a full review soon, I had no idea that TireKicker would be taking an unexpected two week vacation...but we did and now we're back and item one has to be to fill in the blanks left by the early look at this very significant car for Ford.

The basic first impressions (a quantum leap forward for American small cars, a serious threat to future Focus sales until we get the Euro-spec model of the Fiesta's bigger brother) all hold true.

But I see I used the word "roomy". I was so eager to get behind the wheel that I neglected to sit in the back seat. After I posted the first drive, my 5 foot 11 son sat back there...or tried to. It wasn't pleasant. And it wasn't much better for my 5 foot 4 daughter. That large trunk that I mentioned came at the expense of rear seat legroom. And while none of the cars in this class (Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Chevy Aveo) are limos, some of them...especially the Yaris and Versa...are better.

                        

Coincidentally, I had a Yaris sedan the same week, and was able to drive them back-to-back. While the Fiesta dazzled with its newness, edginess and content, the Yaris had more rear and front-seat comfort, a quieter cabin and a smoother ride.  And it was a few hundred dollars cheaper, too...staying under $19,000 ( The Yaris had the Sport package, a $3500 option that adds alloy wheels, spoilers, foglamps, leather trimming, power everything and an upgraded audio system) while the as-tested price of the Fiesta hit $19,600 (base for the SEL sedan is $16,320).

Gas mileage was a wash....the Yaris delivering 32 miles per gallon in an even split of urban street and freeway driving, the Fiesta 31.

                      

Honestly, both the Fiesta and the Yaris are way out of the target zone when their stickers get that close to $20K. You can get Corollas, Sentras and Civics (not to mention the 2011 VW Jetta) for that kind of money.The base Yaris sedan starts at $13,365...the base Fiesta at $13,320. That's where the battle in entry-level sedans is likely to be fought.

But will the sedans be the main focus? The Fiesta that makes the biggest splash visually is the five-door hatchback...and the base price for that is $15,120...a big step up, especially when you consider the Yaris 5-door hatch starts at $12,905 (lower than the Yaris sedan price).

The Fiesta leads the class in style...leaving the frumpy Yaris in the dust both in terms of exterior and interior. But these are entry-level vehicles. And while Europeans have a keen understanding of the term "premium compact", the Fiesta's going to have to make a value argument to drivers from the land of Wal-Mart. That could turn out to be a very tall order.

UPDATE:  We've now had a chance to drive the 5-door Fiesta...in Blue Flame metallic, like so:

It's the same strengths and shortcomings as with the sedan above, but this time, Ford sent an SE model. And that brings the value equation back into line. The base price for the 5-door SE is $1200 less than the SEL sedan, at $15,120, as mentioned above. And the options list was kept to a minimum: Rapid Spec 203A (SYNC, 80 watt premium audio system, a sport appearance package, crusie control, 15 inch painted aluminum wheels and front parking lamps with black bezels) for $1,245...Ambient lighting and Sirius Satellite radio packaged together for $370...and heated front seats for $195.

With destination charges, it addes up to $17,605, but there's a "Rapid Spec Discount" of $490...so the bottom line works out to $17,115.

EPA estimates say 37 highway/28 city. 

At this price, it's worthy of inclusion in your shopping.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Fiesta Review

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2011 Ford Mustang v6 Engine (video)

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Ford Mustang will be using a new, all-aluminum V6 engine for the base Ford Mustang, the company announced today.  The engine is not only more powerful than the previous unit, but should also provide better fuel economy.
The company will use a 3.7-liter, 24-valve Duratec engine that produces 305-horsepower and up to 380 ft-lb of torque.  This is a huge power improvement over the 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 used on the 2010 model year, despite the current unit having a larger displacement.

"This overlap control via Ti-VCT helps us eliminate compromises in the induction and exhaust systems," said Jim Mazuchowski, Ford manager of V-6 powertrain operations. "Drivers are going to notice improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy and peak horsepower. Plus, there are benefits they won't notice, too, such as reduced emissions overall, especially at part-throttle."

The flexibility allowed by Ti-VCT means Mustang V-6 customers will experience:
-Better off-the-line launch feel, with plenty of the low-end "grunt" for which Mustang is famous. Ti-VCT can deliver up to a 5 percent improvement in low-end torque and a 7 percent improvement in peak power versus non-Ti-VCT-equipped engines.
-Improved fuel economy at all engine speeds resulting in projected 19 mpg city/30 highway with six-speed automatic transmission; 18 mpg city/29 highway with six-speed manual transmission. Ti-VCT alone can account for up to a 4.5 percent fuel economy improvement over non VCT engines.
-Lower emissions, with better control of NOx and HC throughout the range of engine operating speeds, reducing atmospheric pollution.

How the technology works
As a DOHC design, the 3.7-liter V-6 uses two camshafts per cylinder bank - one to open the intake valves and one to open the exhaust valves. Traditionally, camshafts only have been able to open the valves at a fixed point defined during engine design and manufacturing. But with modern variable cam timing systems, the camshafts can be rotated slightly relative to their initial position, allowing the cam timing to be "advanced" or "retarded."

Mustang V6 Performance Package

In an effort to promote the sporty nature of this new V6 Mustang, Ford will also offer customers the option of purchasing a high-performance package for their V6 Mustangs. The package, which will become available in August of 2010, includes the following:

• A 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration
  
• Firmer Mustang GT suspension
  
• 19-inch wheels
  
• Summer performance tires for improved grip
  
• A strut tower brace for increased chassis rigidity
  
• Unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving.

 

2011 Ford Mustang v6 Engine 

Pricing and Build Details

The base V6 Mustang will cost you $22,995, while the well equipped V6 Premium will set you back $26,695. Ford says the 2011 V6 Mustang will be built at the Auto Alliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The new 3.7L V6 will be built at Ford’s recently retooled Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1.

Post Title → 2011 Ford Mustang v6 Engine (video)

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2011 New Ford Edge and Edge Sport

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                   2011 Ford Edge Car Review
When it was introduced for the 2007 model year, the Edge was like a modern Mariah Carey—big to look at, but struggling with a weight problem and the resultant effects on performance. At the Chicago auto show, Ford shows off a freshening that develops the Edge’s view, revisionthe interior, and, although not directly addressing the issue of mass, will increase performance.
Like most mid-cycle refreshes, the Edge’s 2011 update starts with a nose job. Every panel up front is new: hood, fenders, grille, and ribbon. The result is a sultrier shape than the blocky original Edge—the headlights are narrower, the three-bar grille dips deeper into the fascia, and the overall look is softened and rounded—but still clearly grandchild from it. Around back, the hatch is new, with taillights that ditch the trendy clear lenses of the original model for more timeless red ones.

Functional Changes
Underneath that new hood, the Edge will have a selection of two new engines and one updated unit. The new base engine will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injected EcoBoost four-cylinder. Power figures have not been released yet, but figure on about 230 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Mid-level SEL models will get the 3.5-liter V-6 from the previous Edge, but updated with variable timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, with output increasing 20 hp and 3 lb-ft, to 285 and 253, respectively.
Top-of-the-line Sport models, in addition to unique black grille slats, smoked head- and taillights, and black-trimmed, 22-inch wheels; get Ford’s 3.7-liter V-6, which delivers a relatively modest bump in hp—to 305—over the 3.5, but a torque gain of 27 lb-ft, for a total of 280. All three engines will be paired with six-speed automatics, with the Sport featuring standard paddle shifters that are unavailable with the other engines.

It’s What’s Inside That Counts
The Edge’s new interior is perhaps even more attractive than the sheetmetal. A sleek new center stack steals the show, housing Ford’s new MyFord and MyFord Touch vehicle-interface systems. These two are the next evolution of Ford’s Sync. MyFord will be standard on all 2011 Edges, but MyFord Touch costs extra. Both are vehicle-management systems using a small LCD screen in the gauge cluster—the fancier MyFord Touch gets two, one on either side of the speedometer—and a larger LCD screen in the center stack.
The small screens in the IP are controlled by five-way switches (up, down, left, and right arrows plus a center “select” button) on the steering-wheel lecturer, while the center is operated via touch. The left IP screen is the only one MyFord buyers get, and it displays vehicle information such as stability-control settings, a tachometer, or trip-computer information. The screen to the right of the tachometer—again, only available with MyFord Touch—is reserved for audio, phone, navigation, and climate-control info. The center screen handles the same information as the right smaller screen, with the added benefit of being accessible to the front passenger.

Call it the Kitchen Sync
All of MyFord and MyFord Touch’s functionality builds on top of the next-generation Sync features, which include easier interaction through what Ford calls “direct speech” commands. No longer does a person dial a phone number by saying “phone” then waiting for Sync to respond before saying “call Jane.” Now, the command is simply “call Jane,” and Sync makes the call. Or, if you want to find a sporting event, you can simply say “tune to Baltimore Ravens game” rather than flipping through channels looking for the game, and Sync will find it. For a full rundown of all the details, read our coverage of the two systems from the Depletory Electronics Show.
Additionally, below the MyFord interface are capacitive-touch controls for audio and climate, and those opting for the upgraded Sony stereo are treated to a Sony-designed audio interface. Though the system does look cool, we see frustrations growing from audio controls that will not react to thickly gloved fingers.
A vehicle with features like MyFord Touch can’t get by without a healthy dose of technology elsewhere. To that end, the Edge also will receive a bunch of optional high-tech gear including keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The 2011 Edge will go on sale later in 2010. Pricing should remain close to today’s levels, with a base SE beginning around $28,000 and Sport models starting near $35,000. 

Post Title → 2011 New Ford Edge and Edge Sport

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